Instructions: 1. Place racks in upper third and middle of oven; preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, work together cookie dough, flour, cardamom, allspice and cinnamon with a wooden spoon until well blended.

2. Measuring out a scant tablespoon of dough, roll it into a small oval.

Repeat with the remaining dough, setting the ovals about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. In a small bowl, whisk egg with 2 tablespoons water. Brush each oval lightly with the mixture.

3. For the eyes, cut a currant in half and roll each half into a tiny ball; press onto the ovals. For the ears, insert two almonds at a slight angle.

For the tail, insert a chow mein noodle.

4. Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly colored, switching the position of the pans halfway through baking. Let cool briefly on the baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 20 cookies.

these for Christmas 1997. Used an oval-shaped measuring spoon as a mold for the bodies (it worked perfectly). Sort through noodles beforehand to select long, curved "tails"; cut raisins into 3 or 4 pieces or the eyes will be too big. Cute cookies and an easy recipe to make.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.